Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia Calls On Congress to Pass the American Dream and Promise Act to Protect Dreamers

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Sylvia R. Garcia (D-TX-29) delivered a speech on the House floor, urging her colleagues to act quickly to pass the American Dream and Promise Act, which provides a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) recipients. 

In her speech, Congresswoman Garcia highlighted the vital economic contributions made by Dreamers, and warned that ending DACA protections would deliver a devastating blow to the U.S. economy, leading to billions in lost revenue and a disruption to vital sectors. 

Congresswoman Garcia has long been an advocate for immigrant rights and is committed to working with her colleagues to pass legislation that not only recognizes the economic impact of Dreamers, but also honors their place in the American story. 

Watch Congresswoman Garcia's floor speech HERE.

A transcript of Congresswoman Garcia's speech can be found below:

Mr. Speaker,

I rise today to speak about an urgent challenge facing our nation—one that, if left unresolved, could lead to both an economic and a moral disaster.

This challenge is the uncertain future of our Dreamers, individuals who embody the very spirit of the American Dream.

These Dreamers were brought to the country as children, without any fault of their own.

They grew up with our kids, attended our schools. 

They pledge allegiance to our flag—the only flag they have ever known.

If given the chance, many would die for it, as many have done through their service in the military.

They share the same hopes, the same dreams, and the same dedication to building a better America as any of us.

They contribute as taxpayers, small business owners, educators, artists, and aspiring public servants. 

And during the pandemic, they stepped up as essential workers. They served as doctors, nurses, and first responders to keep our communities healthy and safe.

But instead of being recognized and celebrated, they live under constant threat, not because of their actions, but because of our inaction.

They live in fear—fear that at any moment, their lives could be uprooted by the stroke of a pen or a court decision or a tweet.

Every day, they contribute to our communities, strengthen our economy, and make America a place worth living in.

Let me make one thing clear, Mr. Speaker: immigrants, including Dreamers, are a tremendous economic force for good in this country, regardless of what some in the Republican majority want you to believe.

One study found that immigrants account for 17% of the U.S. GDP, or more than $3.3 trillion.

And make no mistake: they pay their fair share and then some. 

Since 2012, when President Obama created the DACA program, DACA recipients have paid some $20 billion in federal and payroll taxes and a further $13 billion in state and local taxes.

In my home state of Texas, which has the second-largest number of DACA recipients,  Dreamers contribute over $16 billion annual to our state economy. 

Let’s be clear: the U.S. economy cannot afford to lose the workforce, the talent, and the drive that Dreamers bring. 

In Texas, an end to DACA would result in an estimated 2,600 job losses every month—including 200 healthcare jobs and 100 educators. 

That is nothing short of a national failure.

Congress has a responsibility to pass solutions. 

Bipartisan bills like mine—the American Dream and Promise Act—could pass in this House today if brought to a vote. 

This legislation would provide Dreamers with the security they deserve and ensure our economy remains competitive. 

According to some estimates, creating a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers would increase the U.S. GDP by $799 billion over the next 10 years and create more than a quarter-million jobs.

Unfortunately, very few Republicans are willing to work with us to move this forward. 

But for the sake of our economy and our future, I hope they change course. 

Mr. Speaker, please work with me and my Democratic colleagues to get this done. 

I know we can take care of our Dreamers and immigrants who contribute to our economy and do more together to secure our border. 

To close, I want to share the story of three fellows who served in my office this past year. 

They served our constituents, upheld our Constitution, and exemplified what it means to be American—all while knowing they couldn’t be hired full-time. 

They are Dreamers. They are bright, dedicated young men who deserve a permanent place here, without fear of deportation. They, and their families, deserve better.

It’s time for Congress to work together on a bipartisan basis, pass the American Dream and Promise Act, and keep the American Dream alive. 

Do not let it die in the cold. Step up, act with courage, let’s pass the American Dream and Promise Act, let’s secure our border, and unleash the economic potential of Dreamers across the country. 

With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back.